Desperate for help - 2 year old lab goes BARMY outside following scents. Walks are a NIGHTMARE!

Ah, the large vs small dog thing again. Yes, it's so true how apparent it is when our larger dogs misbehave. I met someone on a walk a couple of nights ago who called my dogs to her. Willow jumped up and she was clearly put out, but her little dog (a scraggly little thing, about the size of a JRT) was scrabbling and leaping up at my leg. I understand that Willow is a lot bigger and stronger, and I'm working on training it out of her, but she's having a bit of a regression at the moment which has increased it. I normally just keep her away from other people, but I think that if you call a Lab to you, you should expect to be greeted enthusiastically. And you can't judge if your dog is doing the exact same thing, even if she is a fraction of the size...

 

Welcome to the forum from me and Baxter, Advice here is great We have just came back from a short break and i don't know if it was because we were out of routine but he's been pulling so i will be taking all the advice here to get him back walking nice

 

I've posted some Happy at Heel Harness training videos here if you want to have a look how the harness works or just for some ideas on training loose lead. http://thelabradorforum.com/forum/b...upplies-for-dogs/262457-happy-at-heel-harness

 

Hi, sounds like you have a very normal teenage ish boy there so don't feel you are on your own. You have had done great advice. Have you thought about any classes or help from a trainer to get you on the right track ?? There are done great ones near you. I am in Harrogate and went for well over a year with my crazy bouncy girl. The classes were full of bonkers labs. We all got there in the end with perseverance, patience and positive training. Meg now is just a dream off lead which she is mostly. She is great on lead after a run around and can pull a bit at the start of the walk, but not bad really. I could spend more time doing lead work but as she is off mostly it does not seem a good use of my time. I went to a fantastic club that has centres in Leeds too. I am not sure if I am allowed to recommend on here but have a Google. It will be worth the time and they won't make you feel like you have the only lab in Yorkshire that pulls and runs off, the county is full of them best wishes Emma and Meg

 

Loads of great advice, just wanted to stay, keep positive! I know it is tough sometimes, and when you are having a rough walk the last thing you need is other smug dog walkers stating the obvious! It is actually quite thoughtless...so smile, comment on the weather as you are dragged by!
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it takes a huge amount of patience (and hours...) to retrain a dog who pulls,been their with our large rescue black lab, now that really wasn't fun, seriously, they don't call him the black bullet for nothing! It is important though, to be consistent in your training. Start small, baby steps in your own house, then gradually find quiet places with no distractions to practice. it might also help to find unfamiliar areas, especially if you dog is one of those that thinks pulling is working because at the end of his steam train pulling he gets to do great things..

 

Just wanted to say hello and welcome to the forum!
Great advice already.
Age and maturity also helps! Got to put in the training though. ^^

Jac and Lilly (aka Deer Chaser) now aged 5 and a half x

 

Thanks again to everyone - absolutely brilliant advice and support! I'm trying to find the club you went to, Emma - it sounds great!

 

Hello- welcome!!! Bella and I live in Leeds!!! We go to the 'TailWaggers' training classes - all positive reinforcement. They are fab and will help you with your concerns. Lots of practicing. They run them in various locations, Headingly and Wigton Moor.